Paddington 2: Warner Wins Bidding War Over Weinstein’s Family Animation

Warner Bros. is taking over U.S. distribution on “Paddington 2” from the Weinstein Company and will keep the planned January 12 release date for the family comedy.

“Paddington 2″ opened solidly in the U.K. last weekend with $10.9 million, 60% above its predecessor. It’s fully financed by Studiocanal and produced by David Heyman. Warner bought distribution rights for the film in the U.S. and Canada from Studiocanal and TWC/Dimension Film for an undisclosed price.